NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 67

NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

HOME SECTION AT BULFORD CAMP. (Fbom Oue Own Conp.EsroNDENT.) LONDON. October 9Now Zealanders in this country who have answered the call to arms are now safely housed at, Buiford Camp, on Salisbury Plain, where they await the arrival of the. main force. 'lho unit paraded on Wednesday morning at the rear of the Government Office, in Victoria street, and in a relied to Waterloo Station, where they entrained. The New Zealand colony in London attended in large numbers to witness the parade, which reflected great credit on officers and men alike. The unit looked exceedingly smart and soldier-like, and the members were delighted at the prospect of starting the work of training in earnest. The High Commissioner and Lord Plunket were early arrivals, and spent some time chatting with the men. The officers present were Captain Lampon, Captain Wright, and Captain Simson (Auckland), Lieutenants Norman Fitz Herbert (Wanganui), Stocker, Skelsey, and May, and Ur M‘Allum (Foilding). Attracted by the gathering, a London flower seller sought to dispose of her basket of white heath—- “ tor luck ” —at a penny a time. Mr T. Donne, however, thoughtfully ipurchased the lot, and asked the woman to present each man with a sprig . At the conclusion of the parade the unit formed fours, turned to the right, and, headed by Captains Lampen and Wright, marched into Victoria- street. As they passed the Government Office, from which, the New Zealand flag flew, they gave three hearty cheers, which were responded lo by file New Zealanders present. The march was continued across Parliament square and Westminster bridge to Waterloo Station. During the week the following New Zealanders have joined : —Messrs Shayle Gardner, j. C. Whitney, C. Whitney) L. W. Wilson (all of Auckland), and W. Ranstead (Hamilton). While, training at Wandsworth Common, foui instructors from the Grenadier Guards were attached to the force, and remarkable headway was made. The High Commissioner went out one day, and expressed his pleasure at the wonderful progress accomplished. Mr Mackenzie also v;sited a large hospital at Wandsworth, where 140 wounded soldiers are being treated, and he spoke to many of them. Mr Norman Fitz Herbert (Wanganui) who is a lieutenant of the New Zealand Defence Force, has been assisting Captain Lampen in the organisation of the home contingent at 13 Victoria street. He left New Zealand last March, and spent three months on Vancouver Island. Directly war was declared he hurried to London, and was appointed to the Now Zealand contingent. Captain Wright, who has also boon assisting. is the produce inspector on the High Commissioner’s staff. Mr and Mrs Richards Staples-Brown, of Barnpton, Oxfordshire, are making a present to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force of one of the latest pattern quickfiring guns. It is being obtained through the War Office. Mr T. E. Donne has given the force an officer’s field heliograph and a large telescope for field artillery. The New Zealand War Contingent Association has had under consideration the question of building a clubhouse at Buiford, but this js not now necessary, as the Y.M. 0.A., who_ is thoroughly acquainted witjt the varying conditions of camp life, has undertaken to cater for the social side. Mr Donne has offered the men the lean of a grand piano during camp time if they so desire. The motor ambulance offered by Mr and Mrs G. Beetham is being obtained, while Mr R. C. Orton (Auckland) has lent his motor car for the use of the Expeditionary Force.